TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida law will specifically say churches can't be forced to marry same-sex couples if Gov. Rick Scott signs a bill now headed to his desk.
The Senate passed the bill 23-15 on Thursday. Democrats argued the state and federal constitutions already protect churches and said the bill wasn't necessary.
Republican Sen. Aaron Bean said his bill is a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that said same-sex marriage is legal. He said the rule turned the world upside down among people who consider marriage to be a sacred institution between a man and a woman.
He said he hopes the bill is never needed.
The House passed the bill (HB 43) on Wednesday. The law will take effect July 1 if Scott signs it.
